Career

Rey Valera started his recording career in 1977 after becoming a band member from a group called Electric Hair Band for seven years. He waxed his first single as a solo singer – songwriter with the song Ako si Superman, which he created supposedly for Rico Puno. His former boss at Vicor Records gave him the opportunity to sing his song and at the same time hired him as one of Vicor's in-house producers.

Recently, Vicor Music Corporation compiled all of Rey Valera's recorded songs in their library in a 4 disc set album entitled, "Walang Kapalit" as part of Vicor's 40-year anniversary.[1]

He was finally inducted to the Philippines Eastwood City Walk of Fame in 2009.

He won the MYX Magna Award 2015 in the recent 2015 MYX Music Awards.

Mr. DJ and Sharon Cuneta

One of his initial projects was to make a song for a twelve-year-old mayor's daughter named Sharon Cuneta. It was a daunting challenge, as Rey initially could not figure out what kind song would be fitting for her; she was too young to be taken seriously to be given a love song, and a bit too old to be given a nursery rhyme.

It dawned upon Rey to write a song about the people who were responsible for playing songs on the radio; the DJs. Wherever radio station the song would be submitted in, it was almost always guaranteed that it would be played as it was their song. The song, Mr. DJ,made remarkable sales on the chart.

Sharon stated in a recent interview by Deborah Kan in Star News Asia, that she has been always thankful for and grateful to Rey, for writing her first hit song. "Mr. DJ".[2]

The two have been friends ever since, and in 1992, Sharon paid tribute to her favorite composer when she recorded Sharon Sings Valera.[3]

When Sharon Cuneta and her then husband Gabby Concepcion separated, Rey composed the song, "Kahit Wala Ka Na" (Even When You're Gone). When Sharon and Rey met at Cinema Audio, she asked, why was not he writing songs for her anymore. Rey replied that he did wrote one for her, and submitted the song to VIVA for it to be an inspiration or a battleground for Sharon. Both of them found out that the song has been shelved for two years at VIVA. Sharon immediately recorded the song, and used it in her movie, "Single Mother"(former title). It was retitled to "Kahit Wala Ka Na".[3]

Sharon's biggest blockbuster movies were lifted from popular songs of Rey, thus Sharon singing Valera has been an always-winning chemistry.

Rey Valera's impostor

In 1983, Rey faced one of the worst challenges of both his career, and personal life; an impostor was using his name and was committing crimes, among them were car-napping and rape.[4][5] The list even extended to marrying numerous women, and even petty crimes like "borrowing" money and personal items, all under Rey Valera's name.[5] Rey made numerous newspaper statements announcing that there is an imposter posing as him. Rey also wrote and released a song entitled, "My Fans Are in Trouble" to warn his fans through the medium of music, with the lyrics depicting his helplessness to stop this impostor.[6] What Rey feared most was not the money, but the physical harm people the impostor had fooled might do to him. Ultimately in 1984, Rey decided to quit show business at the peak of his career to protect his fans and also to make up for the time he lost with his family during his fame. When Rey made a comeback in 1988, he wore his hair long so that his impostor (who had kinky hair), would have a harder time posing as him if the impostor ever resurfaced. The impostor has never been heard from ever since.

Rey now talks about the impostor topic on less serious, even humorous tone, to help forget the traumatic experience it had caused. Looking back, he even dubbed his impostor "Rey Bolero" ( Rey the Deceiver / Smooth Talker ) when he talks about it to his friends and interviews, which was also mentioned on the "Na-Scam Ka Na Ba" interview on the Filipino television channel QTV11 which aired around September 2006.

Bubble Gang parody

On May 2008, a friendlier, funnier impostor had emerged on the Filipino television gagshow Bubble Gang, in the persona of comedian/parodistMichael V. He even used "Rey Bolero" as his screen name. A segment of the show featured Michael V. as Rey Bolero, singing Mas Tanga 'ko Sa'yo ( I'm Dumber Than You Are ) – A parody of one of Rey Valera's well known songs, Pangako Sa'yo ( I Promise To You ). His costume was even patterned after Rey Valera's late 1970s attire.

The idea proved to be a hit, and a second Rey Valera song was soon used on the same show and segment, also by Michael V. himself. The song, "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako" ( If You Need Me ), was parodied into Kung Kailangan Mo Bato ( If You Need A Stone / To Get Stoned—a slang use of the word "stone", as in illegal substance / getting high )

On October 31 of the same year, Rey Valera, and Michael V. as Rey Bolero ( now mimicking Rey Valera's clothes and hairstyle at the time) performed a duet and was one of the highlights of the heavily promoted, "taped as live", two-part Bubble Gang 13th Anniversary special. A narration was heard before the two artists entered the stage; "Do the singers that Michael V. impersonate ever get angry?" – (translated from Tagalog). They sung a medley of the two previously mentioned parodied songs. The segment ended with Rey Valera mock-swinging his guitar at Michael V., and the former mock-chasing the latter towards the backstage.

Writing music and songs for movies

Rey was film scoring movies during his singing career, but after the trouble his impostor has caused, Rey focused on his musical directing career. He particularly liked scoring music for action films, giving fight scenes and chase sequences fast paced, rock-themed music, which reflects his roots as a rock band member.

There are very few people are aware that Rey wrote music for movies, even fewer are aware that he also wrote music for R-18 "Bold" films.[7] He accepted making music for movies and considered it an opportunity, as these projects usually pitted his songwriting skills to follow fresh and often unusual themes and topics, often deviating from pop love songs which he was usually typecast into.

The theme song "Ambon" (Raindrop) from the film Tampisaw emphasizes on the singer's hunger and deprivation of love, and that a single "raindrop" of love would be enough for her to live on.

The theme song "Nagpapanggap" (Pretending/Deceiving) from the film Kerida (The Mistress) depicts a person's awareness that her lover is only pretending to love her, and yet she has this pragmatic acceptance and is even thankful that she was loved, no matter how false that love may be.

The theme song "Sa Gitna ng Buhay Ko" (In The Middle of My Life) from the film Naglalayag (Silent Passage) follows the movie's theme of a middle-aged woman falling in love with a man half her age. The song relates to her life as the times of the day, asking questions such as, "why did love arrive at only NOON?"

The Greatest Hitmakers

In 2002, Rey reunited with his contemporaries Rico J. Puno and Hajji Alejandro in a series of concerts called "Greatest Hits", highlighting the music of their own time. They also launched a VCD recording of their concert.[8]Nonoy Zuñiga and Marco Sison joined the group in the following year. The group continues to perform both locally and internationally[9][10][11]

Although they were formally named "The Greatest Hits", the group felt that using the name "The Greatest Hitmakers" was more proper, as the former referred to the 'songs' and not the group members themselves. The group has successfully performed even with the absence of one or two members, usually concentrating on a core trio group ( e.g. Rey, Hajji, Rico / Rey, Hajji, Marco / Rey, Rico, Marco ) and varies between concert to concert, depending on each member's availability. This flexibility of the group's roster combined with miscommunication with the each show's promoter and other reasons has often led to various names for the group such as "The Hitmakers", "The Greatest Hits", "The Great Hitmakers" "GH5", "GH4" and such.

Saling Ket

In July 2005, Rey Valera released the music album "Panghabangbuhay", with his children's band called "Saling Ket". Whenever possible, Rey has been performing with them in almost all of his performances and still continues to do so.[12]

Induction to Bulacan's Walk of Fame

On November 9, 2006, Rey was inducted to Bulacan's own "Walk of Fame", in the "Hardin ng Mga Bayani at Sining" ( The Garden of the Heroes and Arts/Artists), Malolos City, Bulacan.

Rey was among the few Bulakeños who was given the title of "Alagad ng Sining at Kultura ng Bulacan", loosely translated as "Disciple of the Arts and Culture of Bulacan", or simply put, Great Artist of Bulacan.

Award and Handprint

An inductee was given a tile with his/her name on it, and a small pile of a then wet cement to leave a hand print. The names on the Walk of Fame embody the Bulakeños who have brought pride to Bulacan in the fields of arts and culture.[13]

Philippines Eastwood City Walk of Fame Inductee Winner

On December 2009, Rey is finally inducted to the Philippines Eastwood City Walk of Fame for contributing his singing & compossing songs. Philippines Eastwood City Walk of Fame is similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in California, USA.

First Asean IKon Champion – "Pangako"

On August 17, 2007, Vina Morales won, as the First Asean IKon Champion, with her interpretation of Rey Valera's hit song, "Pangako Sa 'Yo". The song has been used as a theme song for ABS-CBN's two-year-running soap opera TV series, "Pangako sa 'Yo" 7 years earlier, which was also sung by Vina Morales.

The Legends of OPM

The Legends of OPM March 5, 2009. Left to Right: Claire de la Fuente, Eva Eugenio, Joey Albert, Rey Valera, Rico Puno, and Nonoy Zuniga On December 30, 2008

Rey once again performed with Rico J. Puno, and Nonoy Zuniga, along with Claire de la Fuente, Eva Eugenio and Joey Albert at the Philippine International Convention Center under the name, Legends of OPM.Like its predecessor group, "The Greatest Hitmakers", the concept proved to be a hit, and a repeat performance was done on March 5 of the following year.

MYX Magna Award 2015 Winner

Rey won as the MYX Magna Award 2015 Winner for contributing his success as a composer, guitarist, musical director & singer and also a performer.

Movie musical directions and theme songs

Legend:
( ) music score only
( * ) music score and theme song
( ** ) theme song only
( *** ) movie title and theme song
( **** ) music score, movie title, theme song (song title same as movie title)

Movie

Actor/actress

Theme song used

Strangers in Paradise ****[14]

Lloyd Samartino/Snooky Serna

Hello Young Lovers ****[15]

Gabby Concepcion/Snooky Serna

Romansa *[16]

Vilma Santos/Edu Manzano

Cristal ****

Lampel Cojuangco

Exploitation ****

Alma Moreno

Kabiyak *

Vilma Santos

Annie Sabungera ****[17][18]

Nora Aunor/Rey Valera/ Ace Vergel

G.I. Baby *

Lampel Cojuangco

Stepsisters *[19]

Lorna Tolentino/Rio Locsin

Tayong Dalawa

Hiwalay *

Vilma Santos/Dindo Fernando

Sinasamba Kita ****

Vilma Santos/Phillip Salvador

Burgis ****[20]

Gabby Concepcion

Init o Lamig[21]

Charito Solis/Elizabeth Oropesa

Juan Balutan[22]

Niño Muhlach/Kristina Paner

Pusong Uhaw[23]

Gina Alajar/Mark Gil

Abigael ****[24]

Cherie Gil/Alma Moreno/Gabby Concepcion

Amang Capulong: Anak ng Tondo II (1992) ***

Monsour Del Rosario/Sharmaine Arnaiz/Rina Reyes

Tatak ng Cebu II: Emong Verdadero (Bala ng Ganti) (1992)***

Ferdinand Galang/Jackie Lou Blanco

My Prince Charming *

Janice de Belen/Gabby Concepcion

Kung Kasalanan Man **

Dina Bonnevie

Abot Hanggang Sukdulan **

Snooky Serna

Kahit Wala Ka Na ***[25]

Sharon Cuneta/Richard Gomez

Babangon Ako at Dudurugin Kita **

Sharon Cuneta/Christopher de Leon

Sa Kabila Ng Lahat ***

Dina Bonnevie/Nanette Medved

Anak ni Baby Ama (1990) ***

Robin Padilla

Barumbado (1990)

Robin Padilla

Baricuatro

Sonny Parsons

Boy Amores

Anthony Alonzo

Carnap King

Robin Padilla

UZI Brothers (1989)

Ronnie Ricketts/Sonny Parsons

Boy Kristiano

Bobby Zhornach

To Mama With Love *[26]

Julie Vega/Janice de Belen

Noel Juico (1991)**

Raymart Santiago

Hahalik Ka Rin Sa Lupa

Sonny Parsons

Isang Salop Na Bala

Palito

Multiple Murder

Jess Lapid Jr.

Lumaban Ka, Sagot Kita Sa Diyos *

Julio Diaz/Tommy Abuel

Asiong Salonga 3

E.R./Ejercito

Mana Sa Ina

Rita Avila

Iisa-isahin Ko Kayo (1990)*

Ronnie Ricketts

Sisingilin Ko Ng Dugo (1990)*

Patrick dela Rosa

Kumander Tata

Jess Lapid Jr.

Bahala na Gang (1987)

Sonny Parsons

Ambush (1987)

Ronnie Ricketts

Salisi Gang

Sonny Parsons

Masikip Ang Langit

Jess Lapid Jr.

Kalawang Sa Bakal

Ricky Davao

Donggalo Massacre (1986) ***

Bong Revilla

Tayong Dalawa ***

Sharon Cuneta/Gabby Concepcion

Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo ***

Sheryll Cruz/Romnick Sarmenta

Una Kang Naging Akin **

Sharon Cuneta/Gabby Concepcion

Kung Kailangan Mo Ako

Hari Ng Selda *

Robin Padilla/ Angelika dela Cruz

Batang Bilanggo

Walang Kapalit ***

Sharon Cuneta/Richard Gomez

Tampisaw *

Aleck Bovick

Ambon

Masarap Na Pugad *

Aleck Bovick/Gary Estrada

Bangka

Kerida *

Aleck Bovick/Mark Gil/Gardo Versoza

Nagpapanggap

Makamundo *

Gardo Versoza

Mundo ng Makamundo

Mapupulang Labi

Maye Tongco

Sex Scandal

Allen Dizon

U-Belt *

Aleck Bovick

Butas ng Karayom

Naglalayag **

Nora Aunor

Sa Gitna ng Buhay Ko

Chronology

Date

Comments

1977

Wrote and sung "Ako Si Superman"

November: wrote the song "Mr. D.J." and "Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko" for Sharon Cuneta. Both songs received Gold Record Awards.

1978

'October: Received his first Gold Record Award for single entitled "Naaalala Ka". He wrote the song "Sorry Na, Puwede Ba" for Rico Puno while doing his first album that same year.

1979

Joined Blackgold Records, a sister company of Vicor Music Corporation, as a record producer. He rose to the position of assistant Vice President for Research and Composition.[3]

That same year he waxed his record album with hits such as "Maging Sino Ka Man", "Malayo Pa Ang Umaga", etc.

Tried to venture in music directional jobs.

1980

Rey Valera started writing songs for other singers again, this time for Geraldine with the song "Pangako", and Lirio Vital's "Naniniwala Ako Sa Iyo".

1981

February: he was awarded the Gold Record Award for the hit single "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako".

June: he received the Gold Album Award from a compilation of his past hits titled "Rey Valera's Greatest Hits".

October: he represented the Philippines as a songwriter in the first Asean Song Festival held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[27][28]

he was also awarded the Gold Record Award for the album entitled, "Walang Kapalit". November: bagged the title "Juke Box King of the Year".

March: He sang the song "Gabay Mo Ako", as one of the finalist in the Metro Manila Pop Music Festival. It was in March also when his long playing album "Hello" became another Gold Record.

April: Received the title "Entertainer of the Year".

May: Held the title, "King of Tagalog Songs" for the second time.

December: Rey Valera's Greatest Hits" album became Platinum Record.

This was also the year that an impostor used Rey Valera's name to his disastrous advantage.

1984

Transferred to Wea Records and waxed his last album. He wrote another gold hit song entitled, "Pira-pirasong Alaala" for another female singer.

Dropped show business.[3] Went back to his family to make up for lost days.

He joined the movie industry now as a musical director.

1985–1986

The country saw the economic crisis that led to the downfall of the local music industry. During these times, Rey Valera relied heavily on his movie scoring works, devoted his time to his promotion business, while anticipating the comeback for the Golden Era of the Philippine Music Industry.

1988

TV Personality, comedian, and fellow Bulakeño Bert Marcelo persuaded Rey to make a comeback in live performances and join him in a series of concerts called "Hatid Saya" in Europe and Middle East.[29]

1989

Began training and introducing aspiring composers to professional songwriting and studioworks.

1992

Joined Sharon Cuneta in her Mega concert in U.S. and Japan.[30]

1993–1994

Member of the board of directors – FILSCAP[3]

1994

Nominee, Best Original Song Category – "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo".

2000

Joined forces with Freddie Aguilar, Mike Hanopol, Vehnee Saturno, and formed the group, SAGA (Songs And Generations After).[31] The group recorded one album, and performed one major concert in Canada. It was their first and last concert as SAGA, and the group disbanded months later.

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